Alexandria City, Virginia
The most common soil here is Kingstowne, on about 16% of the land: a sandy clay loam, gritty but holds together. Grist Mill and Sassafras come next.
About 39% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 25% of it.
USDA rates 42% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 7% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Alexandria City, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alexandria City, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Grist Mill | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kingstowne-Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Kingstowne complex | 715 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Grist Mill-Woodstown complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 679 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grist Mill sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 478 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingstowne-Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 469 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingstowne sandy clay loam, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 325 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingstowne-Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 277 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 239 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Codorus and Hatboro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 229 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 100 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 88 | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 76 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lunt-Marumsco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 64 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 63 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras-Marumsco complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 25 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairfax loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 17 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton-Fairfax complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 16 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton-Fairfax complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 16 | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 42% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.